Ustad Rais Khan Leads Hygiene Initiative for Global Handwashing Day

On October 16, 2025, renowned Rajasthani folk musician Ustad Rais Khan headlined a vibrant community event in Jaipur to celebrate Global Handwashing Day. Organized by Reckitt in collaboration with the Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child and PVR Nest, the event showcased a unique blend of art, music, and hygiene awareness, attracting over 300 school students and community stakeholders.

The gathering took place at the INOX Crystal Palm and featured Ustad Rais Khan, who previously partnered with Reckitt to produce India’s first hygiene-focused music album, ‘Folk Music for a Swasth India’, in 2022. His performance emphasized the significance of cultural expression in promoting public health, illustrating how music can serve as a powerful tool for instilling healthy habits.

Creative Campaigns Promote Hygiene Awareness

In addition to Khan’s stirring performance, attendees enjoyed a lively puppet show by the Nagauri Gharana, which creatively conveyed hygiene messages to children through traditional storytelling. This year’s event is part of the 12th season of Dettol Banega Swasth India (DBSI), an initiative that has gained recognition as one of the country’s longest-running public health campaigns. Over the past 11 years, DBSI has focused on empowering children and educators with accessible hygiene education, integrating it into the cultural fabric of India.

Ustad Rais Khan remarked, “Music is the straightest path to a person’s heart. Incorporating socially responsible messages in songs, especially hygiene awareness, will go a long way in ensuring children develop and sustain hygienic habits like handwashing. When learning is blended with art and joy, it becomes a lesson that lasts a lifetime.” His insights underscore the campaign’s approach to making hygiene a fundamental aspect of everyday life.

Ravi Bhatnagar, the Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs Director for South Asia, MENARP, and Africa at Reckitt, stated, “Our mission draws inspiration from the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, an India that is healthy, developed, and resilient for generations to come. Each act of personal hygiene creates ripples of transformation that support our country’s aspirations.” His comments highlight the collective responsibility required to achieve these national goals.

Community Engagement and Future Aspirations

Esteemed guests at the event included Payal Jangid, a Child Rights Activist and Goalkeepers Changemaker Awardee. Sanjeev Dham, Deputy CEO of Mamta HIMC, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Reckitt’s Dettol Banega Swasth India and PVR Nest for this meaningful celebration of Global Handwashing Day. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to drive community-led change in hygiene and health.”

The event also promoted the ‘IAmTheChange’ campaign, urging Indian citizens to take the Hygiene Pledge and adopt personal and community responsibility for health and cleanliness. This initiative aims to create a collective impact towards building resilient communities and a thriving nation.

Deepa Menon, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & CSR at PVR INOX Ltd, remarked, “At PVR INOX, we believe our cinemas serve as platforms for awareness and positive social change. Collaborating on Global Handwashing Day reinforces our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly good health and well-being.” This collaboration illustrates how various sectors can come together to promote public health.

The overarching message of the event was clear: every clean hand contributes to a stronger India. As the campaign continues to gain support from national leaders and influencers, it aims to inspire citizens to take visible action towards hygiene and sanitation. By fostering a culture of health and cleanliness, the initiative aspires to not just build a developed nation by 2047, but also to set a global standard for health practices.

To join this movement, individuals and organizations can register for the Hygiene Pledge and play a vital role in India’s clean revolution. On this Global Handwashing Day, the call to action is clear: let each individual’s commitment to cleanliness serve as a catalyst for national change.